Popular Rhinoplasty Trends and Techniques

Are you looking to get a “nose job?” Believe us, you’re not the first. Rhinoplasty is the surgical procedure performed to reshape or reconstruct the nose. Tracing its roots back to ancient India, rhinoplasty has evolved to embrace modern trends and advanced techniques, allowing patients to correct facial abnormalities and, most importantly, improve their lives by strengthening their self-image.

Traditional Techniques

While Rhinoplasty is mainly considered an aesthetic improvement, it also corrects nasal airflow issues. Depending on the desired outcome, the most frequently performed surgical procedures are “open” versus “closed” rhinoplasties – the two categories describing how the surgery is performed.

Open Rhinoplasty

An open rhinoplasty involves incisions resulting in an external scar. The surgeon carefully lifts the skin of the nasal framework, providing a clear view of the cartilage and nasal bones. This approach allows for precise adjustments, ensuring a harmonious and balanced outcome. It is particularly suitable for the patient who needs a complicated revisional rhinoplasty procedure (revisional rhinoplasty is performed if you need additional correction after your previous rhinoplasty).

Closed Rhinoplasty

A closed rhinoplasty involves incisions that are hidden inside the nose. This approach aims to achieve the desired results with smaller incisions, reduced tissue trauma, and shorter recovery times. During the closed rhinoplasty, incisions are made entirely inside the nostrils.

In addition to an open or closed rhinoplasty, other maneuvers will differentiate the type of rhinoplasty. This can range from “tip work” that aims to change the nasal tip’s position, size, and appearance to dorsum grafting and removal of extra skin. One additional set of procedures is osteotomies, which are performed when the doctors need to break a bone to change the size or height of the top third of the nose.

Modern Alternatives

Although surgery may be the most common solution for reshaping and reconstruction, other, less invasive procedures involve less pain and quicker healing. Today, there is an increasing demand for nonsurgical rhinoplasty. This technique accommodates patients who lack the downtime required to undergo surgery or who want to attempt a minimal adjustment before committing to surgery. Nonsurgical rhinoplasty uses a filler in areas of the nose to create a specific look and shape or to make a minimal correction to the physical appearance of the bone structure of the nose.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re ready to give your face balance and nose the shapeliness you’ve always desired. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian G. Widenhouse offers rhinoplasty for men and women who live in or visit Charleston, Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, and the surrounding communities in South Carolina. Call our Port City Plastic Surgery staff today to schedule your consultation at 843-380-6648.